Roses are one of the most beloved and iconic flowers, known for their captivating beauty, vibrant colours, and rich symbolism. These perennial plants belong to the genus Rosa, and there are over 300 species, with thousands of cultivated varieties. Roses are typically recognized by their layered, velvety petals and enchanting fragrance, which can range from sweet and delicate to rich and heady. Roses come in a spectrum of colours, each carrying its own symbolic meaning. Red roses, often associated with love and passion, are popular in romantic contexts, while white roses symbolize purity and innocence. Yellow roses are linked to friendship and joy, pink represents gratitude and admiration, and orange conveys enthusiasm and desire. Roses have a long history of cultural significance, appearing in art, literature, and religious symbolism. They have been used to express emotions, adorn gardens, and produce rose oil, which is prized in perfumes and skincare products. Beyond their ornamental and symbolic uses, roses are admired for their resilience and adaptability, capable of thriving in various climates and growing conditions. However, they do require regular care, including pruning and protection from pests, to maintain their lush blooms and healthy growth.

How To Grow

Growing roses can be a rewarding experience, as these beautiful flowers bring colour and fragrance to any garden. Although they require care, with the right conditions and attention, roses can thrive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to growing roses:

1. Choose the Right Rose Variety Select based on your climate: Some roses are better suited to certain climates. Hybrid teas, floribundas, and shrub roses are popular varieties, each with its unique requirements and benefits. Consider your garden space: Some varieties grow tall, while others spread out as ground cover or grow as climbing roses. Choose a variety that fits your space.

2. Pick the Right Location Sunlight: Roses need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and bloom. Morning sunlight is especially important to dry dew on the leaves, preventing diseases. Soil: Roses prefer well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, amend it with compost to improve texture and drainage. Air Circulation: Plant roses where they get good air movement, which helps reduce fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

3. Planting Roses Timing: In most regions, early spring (after the last frost) or fall (before the first frost) is the best time to plant roses. Planting steps: Dig a hole: Make it wide enough to accommodate the roots comfortably, usually about 18 inches wide and 12-15 inches deep. Prepare the soil: Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to enrich it. Place the rose: Set the rose in the hole, ensuring the bud union (where the stems meet the root) is slightly above the soil level in warm climates or just below the soil in colder regions. Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the roots. Water thoroughly: Give the newly planted rose a deep watering to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

4. Watering Water deeply and consistently: Roses like regular deep watering, especially during dry spells. Water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry, which prevents disease. A deep soak 2-3 times a week is better than frequent light watering. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

5. Fertilizing Roses are heavy feeders and need nutrients to bloom well. Use a balanced fertilizer or a specific rose fertilizer during the growing season (spring to mid-summer). Follow the recommended dosage, and avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn the plant. Organic options: Compost and well-rotted manure provide slow-release nutrients and improve soil structure.

6. Pruning Timing: Prune roses in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. How to prune: Remove dead, damaged, or diseased canes. Cut out weak or spindly growth. Shape the plant by cutting back about one-third of the canes, ensuring the centre remains open for air circulation. Cut at a 45-degree angle, about ¼ inch above an outward-facing bud.

7. Pest and Disease Management Common pests: Aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles are some common pests. You can remove them by hand or use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations are severe. Fungal diseases: Black spot, powdery mildew, and rust are common fungal diseases that affect roses. Prevent them by watering at the base, ensuring good air circulation, and using fungicide when needed.

8. Deadheading and Maintenance Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers throughout the season. Cut back just above the first set of 5 leaves. General upkeep: Continue watering, feeding, and mulching throughout the growing season. In hot climates, protect roses from intense afternoon sun.

9. Winter Care In colder climates: Protect your roses during winter by adding extra mulch around the base or covering the plant with burlap or other protective materials. Stop fertilizing: Around late summer, stop feeding the plants to allow them to prepare for dormancy.

How/When To Harvesting

Harvesting roses properly ensures you get beautiful blooms for display and promotes healthy growth for future flowers. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to harvest roses:

1. Choose the Right Time to Harvest Early morning is ideal: Harvest roses in the early morning when the temperatures are cooler, and the plant is well-hydrated from the overnight dew. This ensures the flowers are at their freshest. Pick when buds are just starting to open: For the longest vase life, harvest roses when the buds are tight but starting to open. If you wait until the flower is fully open, its vase life will be shorter.

2. Tools You’ll Need Sharp pruning shears or scissors: Use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant. Dull tools can crush the stems, making it harder for the roses to absorb water. A clean bucket of water: Have a bucket of lukewarm water ready to place the cut roses in immediately after harvesting. This helps keep the flowers hydrated and extends their vase life.

3. How to Cut the Roses Cut at the right angle: Make a clean, diagonal cut about ¼ inch above an outward-facing leaf node (a set of leaves). The diagonal cut allows water to absorb more easily and prevents water from pooling on the cut surface, reducing the risk of rot. Cut at the right length: Trim roses with long enough stems for your desired use, leaving at least two sets of leaves on the stem left behind on the plant. This helps the plant continue to photosynthesize and produce more blooms. Remove excess foliage: Remove any leaves that will be below the waterline in the vase to prevent bacterial growth.

4. Immediately Hydrate the Roses Place roses in water right away: As soon as you cut each stem, immediately place it into the bucket of water. This helps prevent air bubbles from forming in the stem, which can block water absorption. Keep in a cool place: If you’re not arranging the roses right away, keep them in a cool, shaded area to prevent wilting.

5. Conditioning the Roses for Longevity Re-cut stems underwater: When you’re ready to arrange the roses, cut the stems again underwater at a diagonal angle. This allows the stem to absorb more water without air getting trapped in the stem. Use flower preservative: Add a floral preservative to the water in your vase, or make your own by adding a mixture of sugar, bleach, and lemon juice. This provides nutrients, fights bacteria, and helps extend the life of the flowers. Arrange immediately: Once conditioned, arrange the roses in your desired vase or bouquet, ensuring they are placed in fresh, clean water.

6. Aftercare Change the water regularly: To keep the roses fresh, change the water in the vase every 2–3 days and re-cut the stems to maintain water uptake. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat: Display the roses in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and fruit (which emits ethylene gas that can shorten the life of the flowers).

7. Deadheading Remaining Blooms Remove spent flowers: On the plant, deadhead (remove) any blooms that are past their prime by cutting just above a set of healthy leaves. This encourages the plant to direct its energy toward producing new blooms rather than seed development.